Earthwatch Institute visits Malta

The Earthwatch Institute, an internationally renowned organisation on scientific research into threatened environments and eco-systems, is currently examining the possibility of setting up a partnership in scientific environmental and research projects in Malta.

This was announced following a visit to Malta by Dr Roger Mitchell, chief scientist at Earthwatch, and Tom Burstow, programme manager, Environmental Engagement, organised by HSBC Cares for the Environment Fund.

The HSBC Group and the Earthwatch Institute have a close relationship through the bank's global US$50 million sponsorship, Investing in Nature.

Every year, 500 HSBC employees, including employees from HSBC Bank Malta, also take part in Earthwatch Research projects across the world.

HSBC invited Earthwatch to set up a project in Malta which would benefit the Maltese community through the link up of local environmental expertise with the global resources of Earthwatch.

During their stay in Malta, Dr Mitchell and Mr Burstow, together with HSBC Environment Fund members, held meetings with government departments and NGOs involved in the environmental scene.

These included the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, the GAIA Foundation, Nature Trust (Malta), Birdlife, Heritage Malta, Din l-Art Helwa, the Malta Marine Foundation and the Biological Conservation Research Foundation (BICREF).

If the Earthwatch projects materialise, Malta would be an attractive destination for many of these international volunteers. In return, volunteers would disseminate a greater understanding of the Maltese islands and its eco-systems when they go back to their respective countries.